19 December 2012
While Auckland continues to delay its decision to build a world-class national convention centre, Adelaide has made a decision and is getting on with it.

Michael Barnett, head of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, was commenting on the SKYCITY announcement that it plans to invest more than A$300 million to transform Adelaide Casino into a world class integrated entertainment complex.

The revamped Adelaide Casino will be a key element of the redevelopment of the Riverbank Precinct and support the State Government’s vision for the area, which includes a significantly expanded world-class convention centre.

“They have made the decision that we should have made months ago,” said Mr Barnett.

The huge investment that SKYCITY is making in Adelaide reinforces them as one of the few companies with capital to invest in vital economic infrastructure.

“We must get our act together and get on with it. The SKYCITY offer to build a convention centre able to host up to 3500 delegates is an offer we can ill afford to let slip.

“Every week it is not built equates to a loss of millions of dollars of income into the City and flow-on benefits to regional economies who will benefit from the visits overseas delegates will made to the rest of New Zealand.

“Every week the decision is delayed will add to the cost, and leave Auckland lagging behind the cities – like Adelaide – we are competing with for international conferences and top-spending tourists.”